Retro Simba

After following in the footsteps of Bob Gibson on the basketball court at Creighton University, Paul Silas launched his NBA career in the city where Gibson was pitching the Cardinals to championships. A 6-foot-7 power forward and relentless rebounder, Silas debuted in the NBA with the St. Louis Hawks in 1964. His first regular-season appearance with them came two days … [Read more...] about Board game: Paul Silas made right moves with Hawks

Looking to cut costs during the Great Depression and open a spot at first base for the aptly named Rip Collins, the Cardinals decided the time was right to peddle a player who was popular and productive. Ninety years ago, on Dec. 17, 1932, the Cardinals traded their future Hall of Fame first baseman, Jim Bottomley, to the Reds for pitcher Ownie Carroll and outfielder Estel … [Read more...] about Why sun set on Jim Bottomley with Cardinals

When Taylor Coleman was 8 years old, her father abandoned her, she said, cutting off all communication and shirking his parental responsibilities. Her father, Vince Coleman, was known to baseball fans as the stolen base specialist for the Cardinals, a player who created thrills with his speed and daring. Taylor saw a different side: a father in name only, unwilling … [Read more...] about Forsaken: An interview with Taylor Coleman

Brett Tomko was a sketch artist who made his living trying to paint corners as a pitcher. Twenty years ago, on Dec. 15, 2002, the Cardinals acquired Tomko from the Padres for reliever Luther Hackman and a player to be named (minor-league pitcher Mike Wodnicki). A right-hander, Tomko was a durable, but hittable, member of the Cardinals’ starting rotation in 2003, … [Read more...] about Cardinals hoped Brett Tomko would work his artistry

Toward the end of his Hall of Fame career, Fred McGriff gave the Cardinals something to remember him by. A left-handed power hitter, McGriff slugged 22 regular-season home runs against the Cardinals and two more in the playoffs. The very last two came on June 21, 2002, in a Cardinals-Cubs classic at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The Friday afternoon game matched … [Read more...] about Power play: Fred McGriff vs. Woody Williams